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Abstract:

A method and apparatus for displaying aircraft information. A selection
of a piece of dynamic information is detected about an aircraft on a
first display on a user interface. The piece of dynamic information is
used to operate the aircraft and changes during operation of the
aircraft. The piece of dynamic information selected from the first
display is added to a custom display on the user interface. The custom
display is displayed on the user interface on a display system for the
aircraft.

Claims:

1. A method for displaying aircraft information, the method comprising:
detecting a selection of a piece of dynamic information about an aircraft
on a first display on a user interface, wherein the piece of dynamic
information is used to operate the aircraft and changes during operation
of the aircraft; adding the piece of dynamic information selected from
the first display to a custom display on the user interface; and
displaying the custom display on the user interface on a display system
for the aircraft.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: identifying a set of
functions for the piece of dynamic information selected; and adding the
set of functions to the custom display.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: displaying values for the
piece of dynamic information on the custom display, wherein the values
were stored during the operation of the aircraft.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein a number of pieces of dynamic
information about the aircraft from a number of different displays is
present in the custom display in addition to the piece of dynamic
information from the first display.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the display system is located on at
least one of the aircraft and a location remote to the aircraft.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: storing values for the piece
of dynamic information during the operation of the aircraft.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: storing screenshots of the
custom display during the operation of the aircraft.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the custom display on the
user interface on the display system for the aircraft comprises:
displaying the custom display on the user interface on the display system
for the aircraft during the operation of the aircraft.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising: storing the custom display
for use at a subsequent time.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the piece of dynamic information about
the aircraft is selected from one of an engine temperature, a fuel use,
an altitude, a position of a control surface, cabin temperature,
hydraulic pressure, and a fuel level.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first display is for a system in
the aircraft selected from one of a hydraulic system, a fuel system, an
electrical system, a landing gear system, a control surface system, a
sensor system, and an environmental system.

12. An apparatus comprising: a display system for an aircraft; and a
computer system configured to detect a selection of a piece of dynamic
information about the aircraft on a first display on a user interface,
wherein the piece of dynamic information is used to operate the aircraft
and changes during operation of the aircraft; add the piece of dynamic
information selected from the first display to a custom display on the
user interface; and display the custom display on the user interface on
the display system for the aircraft.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the computer system is further
configured to identify a set of functions for the piece of dynamic
information; and add the set of functions to the custom display.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the computer system is further
configured to display values for the piece of dynamic information on the
custom display, wherein the values were stored during the operation of
the aircraft.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a number of pieces of dynamic
information about the aircraft from a number of different displays is
present in the custom display in addition to the piece of dynamic
information from the first display.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the display system is located on
at least one of the aircraft and a location remote to the aircraft.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the computer system is further
configured to store values for the piece of dynamic information during
the operation of the aircraft.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the computer system is further
configured to store screenshots of the custom display during the
operation of the aircraft.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein in being configured to display the
custom display on the user interface on the display system for the
aircraft, the computer system is configured to display the custom display
on the user interface on the display system for the aircraft during the
operation of the aircraft.

20. A custom display system for an aircraft, the custom display system
comprising: a display system for the aircraft; and a computer system
configured to detect a selection of a piece of dynamic information about
the aircraft on a first display on a user interface, wherein the piece of
dynamic information is used to operate the aircraft and changes during
operation of the aircraft; add the piece of dynamic information selected
from the first display to a custom display on the user interface, wherein
a number of pieces of dynamic information about the aircraft from a
number of different displays is present in the custom display in addition
to the piece of dynamic information from the first display; identify a
set of functions for the piece of dynamic information; add the set of
functions to the custom display; and display the custom display on the
user interface on the display system for the aircraft.

Description:

RELATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

[0001] This application is related to and claims the benefit of priority
of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/510,746, filed Jul.
22, 2011, entitled "User-Defined Pages for Aircraft", which is
incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] 1. Field:

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to displaying aircraft
information and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for defining
pages for information about an aircraft.

[0004] 2. Background:

[0005] Aircraft include many different systems that operate during the
flight of an aircraft. For example, an aircraft may have a computer
system, a hydraulic system, a fuel system, an environmental system,
and/or other suitable systems. These different systems generate
information during the operation of the aircraft. This type of
information often changes during the operation of the aircraft. For
example, the airspeed of an aircraft will change during different phases
of flight of the aircraft. As another example, as an aircraft operates,
fuel consumption and the level of fuel in the aircraft also changes. This
type of information that changes during the operation of the aircraft may
be referred to as dynamic information.

[0006] This dynamic information is displayed on a display system for the
computer system on the aircraft. For example, the computer system may
display a primary flight display, a multifunction display, an engine
indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS) display, and/or other
suitable types of displays on the display system. Information about the
operation of different systems on aircraft is often displayed on the
multifunction display.

[0007] These different displays are part of a user interface that allows
an operator to see dynamic information about the different systems.
Typically, each of these displays is displayed on a different display
device from other displays.

[0008] In other words, each display for a particular system in the
aircraft may be displayed on its own display device. For example, one
display on a first display device may provide information about the
environmental system, while another display on a second display device
provides information about engine operation.

[0009] An operator may view this dynamic information to monitor the
operation of the different systems in the aircraft. Further, the operator
may interact with the displays to store information for later use. For
example, if the revolutions per minute or temperature values are greater
than desired, an alert may occur. The display system may have a
functionality that allows the operator to store these values at the time
the alert occurs for future review in maintenance after the flight of the
aircraft.

[0010] When a limited number of display devices are available in a display
system for displaying different information about the aircraft, an
operator may view the information for different systems by selecting the
displays that the operator wants to view. Moving from one display to
another display, however, may sometimes be more time consuming than
desired.

[0011] Thus, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus that
takes into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as well
as possibly other issues.

SUMMARY

[0012] In one advantageous embodiment, a method for displaying aircraft
information is provided. A selection of a piece of dynamic information is
detected about an aircraft on a first display on a user interface. The
piece of dynamic information is used to operate the aircraft and changes
during operation of the aircraft. The piece of dynamic information
selected from the first display is added to a custom display on the user
interface. The custom display is displayed on the user interface on a
display system for the aircraft.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a
display system for an aircraft and a computer system. The computer system
is configured to detect a selection of a piece of dynamic information
about an aircraft on a first display on a user interface. The piece of
dynamic information is used to operate the aircraft and changes during
operation of the aircraft. The computer system is further configured to
add the piece of dynamic information selected from the first display to a
custom display on the user interface. The computer system is further
configured to display the custom display on the user interface on the
display system for the aircraft.

[0014] In yet another advantageous embodiment, a custom display system for
an aircraft comprises a display system for the aircraft and a computer
system. The computer system is configured to detect a selection of a
piece of dynamic information about an aircraft on a first display on a
user interface. The piece of dynamic information is used to operate the
aircraft and changes during operation of the aircraft. The computer
system is further configured to add the piece of dynamic information
selected from the first display to a custom display on the user
interface. A number of pieces of dynamic information about the aircraft
from a number of different displays is present in the custom display in
addition to the piece of dynamic information from the first display. The
computer system is further configured to identify a set of functions for
the piece of dynamic information. The computer system is further
configured to add the set of functions to the custom display. The
computer system is further configured to display the custom display on
the user interface on the display system for the aircraft.

[0015] The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved
independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be
combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen
with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The novel features believed characteristic of the advantageous
embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The advantageous
embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference
to the following detailed description of an advantageous embodiment of
the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a display environment in the form of a
block diagram in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

[0018]FIG. 2 is an illustration of a display environment in the form of a
block diagram in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

[0019]FIG. 3 is an illustration of a set of functions in the form of a
block diagram in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a first page displayed on a user
interface in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

[0021]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a second page displayed on a user
interface in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a third page displayed on a user
interface in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 7 is an illustration of a custom page displayed on a user
interface in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

[0024]FIG. 8 is an illustration of a display maintenance page displayed
on a user interface in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for
displaying aircraft information in accordance with an advantageous
embodiment;

[0026]FIG. 10 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for
displaying aircraft information in accordance with an advantageous
embodiment; and

[0027]FIG. 11 is an illustration of a data processing system in
accordance with an advantageous embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into
account a number of different considerations. For example, the different
advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that,
oftentimes, an operator may desire to see information for more than one
aircraft system at the same time. Further, an operator may desire to see
information that is located on more than one display. The different
advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that this
information may be dynamic information about the aircraft. In other
words, the information may change during operation of the aircraft.

[0029] Additionally, the different advantageous embodiments recognize and
take into account that an operator may need to view dynamic information
generated by different systems during operation of the aircraft. As a
result, the operator may need to move between displays on a display
device at a rate that may be higher than desired when only that single
display device is used for viewing the dynamic information.

[0030] The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into
account that moving between displays to see information about the
aircraft may be more time consuming than desired. The different
advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that adding
additional display devices is one solution. The different advantageous
embodiments also recognize and take into account that the amount of space
within the aircraft may limit the number of display devices that may be
present in a display system for an aircraft. Further, additional display
devices add weight and cost to the aircraft.

[0031] The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into
account that one solution involves displaying different displays in
different windows on the same display device. The different advantageous
embodiments recognize and take into account that in some cases, the size
of the display devices may reduce the readability of the information
being displayed in the different windows on the display device when
multiple windows are displayed at the same time.

[0032] Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method and
apparatus for displaying aircraft information. In one advantageous
embodiment, a selection of a piece of dynamic information about an
aircraft on a first display in a user interface is detected. The piece of
dynamic information is used to operate the aircraft and changes during
the operation of the aircraft. The piece of dynamic information selected
from the first display is added to a custom display in the user
interface. The custom display is displayed in the user interface on a
display system for the aircraft.

[0033] With reference next to the figures and, in particular, with
reference to FIG. 1, an illustration of a display environment in the form
of a block diagram is depicted in accordance with an advantageous
embodiment. Display environment 100 includes aircraft 102 and computer
system 104. Computer system 104 is associated with aircraft 102 in these
illustrative examples.

[0034] This association is a physical association in these depicted
examples. A first component, such as computer system 104, may be
considered to be associated with a second component, such as aircraft
102, by being secured to the second component, bonded to the second
component, mounted to the second component, welded to the second
component, fastened to the second component, and/or connected to the
second component in some other suitable manner. The first component also
may be connected to the second component using a third component. The
first component may also be considered to be associated with the second
component by being formed as part of and/or an extension of the second
component.

[0035] In these illustrative examples, computer system 104 is hardware and
comprises number of computers 106. When more than one computer is present
in number of computers 106, these computers may be in communication with
each other. In some illustrative examples, computer system 104 may be
referred to as an aircraft network data processing system.

[0036] Number of computers 106 may be located on aircraft 102 and/or in a
number of locations remote to aircraft 102. For example, one or more of
number of computers 106 may be located at a ground station, a control
tower, and/or some other location remote to aircraft 102.

[0037] Aircraft 102 also has systems 108 in addition to computer system
104. Systems 108 may include, for example, without limitation, at least
one of a hydraulic system, a fuel system, an electrical system, a landing
gear system, a control surface system, an environmental system, a sensor
system, and other suitable types of systems.

[0038] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of", when used with a list
of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items
may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed. For
example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may include, for
example, without limitation, item A, or item A and item B. This example
also may include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. In
other examples, "at least one of" may be, for example, without
limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and 10 of item C; four of item
B and seven of item C; and other suitable combinations.

[0039] In these illustrative examples, computer system 104 may receive
information 110 about aircraft 102. At least a portion of information 110
may be received from systems 108. At least a portion of systems 108 may
be one, some, or all of systems 108. In some illustrative examples,
information 110 also may be received from a location remote to aircraft
102, such as a ground station or a control tower. In other illustrative
examples, information 110 may be received from a number of satellites
and/or other aircraft.

[0040] In these depicted examples, information 110 may include at least
one of information about aircraft 102, information about the flight of
aircraft 102, information about the operation of the different systems in
systems 108 during the flight of aircraft 102, and other suitable types
of information. Further, information 110 may take the form of, for
example, without limitation, at least one of values, messages, alerts,
and/or other suitable types of information for aircraft 102. In these
illustrative examples, information 110 is displayed on display system 112
for aircraft 102.

[0041] As depicted, display system 112 comprises number of display devices
114. Display system 112 comprises hardware and also may include software.
One or more of number of display devices 114 may be located on aircraft
102 and/or in a number of locations remote to aircraft 102.

[0042] In these illustrative examples, user interface 116 is generated by
computer system 104 for the display of information 110 on display system
112. In particular, user interface 116 may be displayed on one or more of
number of display devices 114, and information 110 may be displayed on
user interface 116. In this manner, different pieces of information from
information 110 may be displayed on different display devices in display
system 112.

[0043] In particular, information 110 is displayed on plurality of
displays 120 in user interface 116. A display in plurality of displays
120 is a presentation of information 110 and does not include hardware in
these illustrative examples. One or more displays in plurality of
displays 120 may be displayed on a single display device in number of
display devices 114.

[0044] In these depicted examples, information module 122 manages the
display of information 110 on display system 112. Information module 122
is configured to control which portions of information 110 are displayed
on the different displays in plurality of displays 120 on display system
112.

[0045] Further, information module 122 also may control information 110
displayed on display system 112 based on input received from an operator
for aircraft 102. The operator may be a pilot, a co-pilot, a ground
station operator, a control tower operator, or some other suitable type
of operator for aircraft 102. Input from the operator may be received
through number of user input devices 118 associated with computer system
104.

[0046] Number of user input devices 118 provides an operator an ability to
interact with computer system 104 and, in particular, with information
110 displayed on user interface 116. For example, number of user input
devices 118 may allow an operator to switch between different displays in
plurality of displays 120 on a display device in number of display
devices 114. Further, the operator may use number of user input devices
118 to select a particular system in systems 108 for which information
110 is displayed in user interface 116.

[0047] In some cases, an operator may desire to see information from more
than one system in systems 108. However, the operator may desire to
reduce switching between displays in plurality of displays 120 to see the
information from the different systems in systems 108. For example, the
operator may desire to see the information on the same display rather
than on different displays within plurality of displays 120.

[0048] Information module 122 is configured to detect selection 124 of a
portion of information 110 made by an operator using one or more of
number of user input devices 118. The portion of information 110 selected
may be, for example, piece of dynamic information 126 about aircraft 102.
As depicted, piece of dynamic information 126 may be selected from first
display 128 in plurality of displays 120 on user interface 116.

[0049] In these illustrative examples, piece of dynamic information 126 is
information that is used to operate aircraft 102 and changes during
operation of aircraft 102. In response to selection 124, information
module 122 adds piece of dynamic information 126 to custom display 130.

[0050] Information module 122 displays custom display 130 in user
interface 116 on display system 112 for aircraft 102. In particular,
custom display 130 may be displayed on a single display device in number
of display devices 114. In some illustrative examples, custom display 130
may display number of pieces of dynamic information 132 selected from
number of displays 133 in plurality of displays 120 in addition to piece
of dynamic information 126.

[0051] In this manner, information 110 from different systems in systems
108 may be displayed on a single display device in number of display
devices 114. As a result, the need for switching between different
displays in plurality of displays 120 may be reduced. Further,
readability of piece of dynamic information 126 and number of pieces of
dynamic information 132 on the same display device may not be reduced.
With the selection of pieces of dynamic information 126, an operator may
focus more on the information that is desired as opposed to having too
much information displayed on a display device.

[0052] Additionally, information module 122 also identifies set of
functions 134 for piece of dynamic information 126 and/or number of
pieces of dynamic information 132 on custom display 130. As used herein,
"a set" used with reference to items, means zero, one, or more items. For
example, "set of functions 134" may be zero, one, two, or more functions.
In some cases, set of functions 134 may be an empty set. In other words,
no functions may be identified for piece of dynamic information 126.

[0053] In these illustrative examples, set of functions 134 may include
functions that allow piece of dynamic information 126 and/or number of
pieces of dynamic information 132 to be used, stored, printed, deleted,
and/or controlled in some other suitable manner. In some cases, one or
more of set of functions 134 may be for custom display 130. Set of
functions 134 is added to custom display 130 in these depicted examples.
Further, custom display 130 may be stored for use at a subsequent time.

[0054] In this manner, custom display 130 may include pieces of dynamic
information 126 from different displays in plurality of displays 120
associated with different systems in systems 108 for aircraft 102.

[0055] The illustration of display environment 100 in FIG. 1 is not meant
to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which an
advantageous embodiment may be implemented. Other components in addition
to and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components
may be unnecessary. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some
functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or
divided into different blocks when implemented in an advantageous
embodiment.

[0056] For example, in some illustrative examples, custom display 130 may
be displayed on more than a single display device. In other illustrative
examples, additional display systems may be present for aircraft 102 in
addition to display system 112. In some cases, selection 124 may be made
by an operator located at a ground station or some other location remote
to aircraft 102.

[0057] With reference now to FIG. 2, an illustration of a display
environment in the form of a block diagram is depicted in accordance with
an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, display
environment 200 is an example of one implementation for display
environment 100 in FIG. 1.

[0058] As depicted, display environment 200 includes aircraft 202 and
computer system 204 on aircraft 202. Computer system 204 comprises number
of computers 206 in this illustrative example. Information module 208 is
implemented in computer system 204. Information module 208 is an example
of one implementation for information module 122 in FIG. 1.

[0059] Information module 208 is configured to manage the display of
information 210 on display system 212 on aircraft 202. Display system 212
comprises number of display devices 214 in this illustrative example. In
particular, information module 208 manages the display of information 210
on user interface 215 on number of display devices 214.

[0060] Information 210 displayed on display system 212 may be received
from aircraft systems 216. Aircraft systems 216, in this illustrative
example, include hydraulic system 218, environmental system 220, engine
system 222, landing system 224, fuel system 226, and sensor system 228.
Sensor system 228 may include, for example, at least one of a temperature
sensor, an inertial measurement unit, a global positioning system unit, a
motion sensor, a camera system, a radar system, and other suitable types
of sensors. Of course, in other illustrative examples, aircraft systems
216 may include other systems in addition to and/or in place of these
systems.

[0062] In one illustrative example, a page in pages 231 may include a
presentation of the portion of information 210 received from a particular
system in aircraft systems 216. In another illustrative example, one page
in pages 231 may be used to present the portion of information 210
received from two or more of aircraft systems 216. As yet another
example, more than one page in pages 231 may be used to display the
portion of information 210 received from one of aircraft systems 216.

[0064] In these illustrative examples, display device 250 in number of
display devices 214 is configured to receive user input entered through
number of user input devices 238. For example, touch screen 249 may be
implemented in display device 250 and configured to receive user input
entered using pen 246. Of course, in some illustrative examples, touch
screen 249 may be configured to receive user input entered by operator
236 touching display device 250.

[0065] Custom display module 232 is configured to generate custom page 252
for display on user interface 215. Custom page 252 may be displayed on,
for example, display device 250. Custom page 252 may be generated using
pieces of dynamic information 254 about aircraft 202 selected from one or
more of pages 231. Pieces of dynamic information 254 may be selected from
pages 231 by operator 236 using number of user input devices 238.

[0066] Pieces of dynamic information 254 are portions of information 210
that are used to operate aircraft 202 and that change over time during
the operation of aircraft 202. For example, a piece of dynamic
information in pieces of dynamic information 254 about aircraft 202 may
include, for example, without limitation, an engine temperature, a fuel
use, an altitude, a position of a control surface, a cabin temperature,
hydraulic pressure, a fuel level, a velocity for aircraft 202, and/or
other suitable types of information that may be generated by aircraft
systems 216.

[0067] Selection of pieces of dynamic information 254 may include the
selection of values 256 within pieces of dynamic information 254.
Further, when pieces of dynamic information 254 are selected, other types
of information may be included in pieces of dynamic information 254.

[0068] For example, a selection of a piece of dynamic information may
include information, such as, for example, labels, text, images, and/or
other suitable information associated with the piece of dynamic
information. As one illustrative example, a selection of a value on one
of pages 231 may cause a number of values associated with the selected
value, a number of labels, and/or other suitable information in addition
to the selected value to be selected as a piece of dynamic information.

[0069] Custom display module 232 adds pieces of dynamic information 254 to
custom page 252. Further, custom display module 232 may display values
256 for pieces of dynamic information 254 in custom page 252. Values 256
displayed for pieces of dynamic information 254 may be current values for
pieces of dynamic information 254, or values that were stored for pieces
of dynamic information 254 at a previous point in time.

[0070] In these illustrative examples, values 256 may be updated on custom
page 252 continuously and/or periodically for pieces of dynamic
information 254. For example, values 256 may be updated on custom page
252 in substantially real-time. Further, operator 236 may select how
often values 256 for pieces of dynamic information 254 are to be updated
on custom page 252 using set of functions 258 in custom page 252.

[0071] Set of functions 258 are identified and added to custom page 252 by
function module 234 in this illustrative example. As one illustrative
example, a function in set of functions 258 may be identified for one or
more pieces of information in pieces of dynamic information 254. In
another illustrative example, a function in set of functions 258 may be
identified for custom page 252 itself.

[0072] In these illustrative examples, function module 234 may add set of
functions 258 to custom page 252 by adding set of graphical controls 260
to custom page 252. Set of graphical controls 260 may be, for example,
buttons and/or other suitable types of graphical controls that allow
operator 236 to use set of functions 258.

[0073] For example, operator 236 may select a graphical control in set of
graphical controls 260 using number of user input devices 238. The
selection of this graphical control, in turn, selects a corresponding
function in set of functions 258. The selection of this function causes
function module 234 to perform the selected function.

[0074] In this manner, information module 208 is configured to allow
operator 236 to view desired information from information 210 on a single
display device. Further, operator 236 may view the information displayed
on custom page 252 without having to switch between different displays.
As a result, the time needed by operator 236 to find and view desired
information may be reduced as compared to when information 210 is
displayed on multiple display devices and/or multiple displays.

[0075] With reference now to FIG. 3, an illustration of set of functions
258 from FIG. 2 in the form of a block diagram is depicted in accordance
with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, set of
functions 258 from FIG. 2 is depicted in more detail. The different
functions described in set of functions 258 in FIG. 3 are example
functions that may be implemented in set of functions 134 in FIG. 1.

[0076] As depicted, set of functions 258 may include at least one of save
values function 300, update values function 302, screenshot function 304,
record values function 306, download function 308, clear display function
310, and add new information function 312. Of course, in other
illustrative examples, other functions may be present in addition to
and/or in place of these functions.

[0077] Save values function 300 is a function that allows values 256 for
pieces of dynamic information 254 on custom page 252 in FIG. 2 to be
saved. In other words, a selection of save values function 300 may cause
values 256 currently displayed in custom page 252 to be saved. Values 256
may be saved for future use at any time during the operation of aircraft
202 in FIG. 2. Values 256 also may be saved for downloading or viewing at
other times, such as after the flight of aircraft 202.

[0078] In particular, these values may be stored in, for example, a
storage system associated with computer system 204 in FIG. 2. The storage
system may comprise, for example, a database, memory, persistent storage,
a server, and/or other types of storage devices.

[0079] In some illustrative examples, save values function 300 may be
added to custom page 252 for a particular piece of dynamic information in
pieces of dynamic information 254. In other illustrative examples, more
than one of save values function 300 may be added to custom page 252 for
pieces of dynamic information 254.

[0080] Update values function 302 is a function that updates values 256
for pieces of dynamic information 254. For example, when values 256 that
are currently displayed on custom page 252 are not the most up-to-date
values for pieces of dynamic information 254, update values function 302
may be selected to obtain current values for pieces of dynamic
information 254.

[0081] Screenshot function 304 is a function that generates a screenshot
of custom page 252 and stores the screenshot. A screenshot is an image of
custom page 252. Any number of screenshots of custom page 252 may be
generated when any number of predefined events occur during the operation
of aircraft 202. These events may be pre-defined by, for example, the
operator of aircraft 202.

[0082] In this illustrative example, record values function 306 is a
function that records values 256 for pieces of dynamic information 254
over time. For example, when record values function 306 is selected,
values 256 for pieces of dynamic information 254 may be recorded from the
time at which record values function 306 is selected. In this manner,
changes to values 256 for pieces of dynamic information 254 may be
recorded over time. This information may be used in, for example,
performing maintenance for aircraft 202 at a future point in time.
Further, this information may be used to perform diagnostics for aircraft
202.

[0083] Download function 308 is a function that downloads a screenshot of
custom page 252 and/or values 256 in custom page 252 to a location remote
to aircraft 202. This location may be, for example, a ground station when
download function 308 is selected.

[0084] Clear display function 310 is a function that clears all
information displayed on custom page 252 when selected. In other words,
when clear display function 310 is selected, all of pieces of dynamic
information 254 may be removed from display on custom page 252.

[0085] In this illustrative example, add new information function 312 is a
function that allows additional pieces of dynamic information 254 to be
added to custom page 252. For example, a selection of add new information
function 312 may allow operator 236 to switch to different pages in pages
231 to select additional pieces of dynamic information 254 for display on
custom page 252.

[0086] The illustrations of display environment 200 in FIG. 2 and set of
functions 258 in FIG. 3 are not meant to imply physical or architectural
limitations to the manner in which an advantageous embodiment may be
implemented. Other components in addition to and/or in place of the ones
illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary. Also, the
blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or
more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks
when implemented in an advantageous embodiment.

[0087] For example, in some illustrative examples, a control surface
system also may be present in aircraft systems 216. In other illustrative
examples, a modified custom display function also may be present in set
of functions 258 in FIG. 3.

[0088] With reference now to FIGS. 4-8, illustrations of displays on a
user interface are depicted in accordance with an advantageous
embodiment. In these illustrative examples, different displays are
displayed on user interface 400. User interface 400 is an example of one
implementation for user interface 116 in FIG. 1 and/or user interface 215
in FIG. 2. User interface 400 may be displayed on a display system for an
aircraft, such as display system 112 for aircraft 102 in FIG. 1 and/or
display system 212 for aircraft 202 in FIG. 2.

[0089] Turning now to FIG. 4, first page 402 is displayed on user
interface 400. First page 402 is a presentation of information 404 for a
hydraulic system. In particular, first page 402 may be generated using
page display module 230 in FIG. 2. As depicted in this example, piece of
dynamic information 406 has been selected from first page 402 for display
in a custom display.

[0090] In this illustrative example, the selection of piece of dynamic
information 406 may be made by an operator selecting one or more of
values 408, 410, 412, and 414. As one illustrative example, a selection
of value 408 in row 411 on first page 402 may cause all information in
row 411, including value 408 and value 410, to be selected. For example,
the selection of value 408 causes the text and labels in row 411 to be
selected. Further, a selection of value 412 in row 415 on first page 402
may cause all information in row 415, including value 412 and value 414,
to be selected.

[0091] Additionally, the selection of information in row 411 and row 415
causes labels 416, 418, 420, and 422 to be selected as part of piece of
dynamic information 406. In this manner, values 408, 410, 412, 414, and
all additional information in piece of dynamic information 406 will be
included in the custom display.

[0092] In FIG. 5, second page 500 is displayed on user interface 400.
Second page 500 is a presentation of information 502 for an electronic
propulsion control system (EPCS). In particular, second page 500 may be
generated using page display module 230 in FIG. 2. As depicted, piece of
dynamic information 504 has been selected from second page 500 for
display in the custom display. In this illustrative example, a selection
of label 506 causes values 508, 509, 510, and 512, as well as labels 511,
513, 514, 515, 516, 518, and 520 to be selected in piece of dynamic
information 504.

[0093] Turning now to FIG. 6, third page 600 is displayed on user
interface 400. Third page 600 is a presentation of information 602 for a
fuel system. In particular, third page 600 may be generated using page
display module 230 in FIG. 2. As depicted, piece of dynamic information
604 has been selected from third page 600 for display in the custom
display. In particular, value 606 has been selected from third page 600.
This selection causes label 608 and label 610 to also be selected in
piece of dynamic information 604.

[0094] With reference now to FIG. 7, custom page 700 is displayed on user
interface 400. Custom page 700 may be generated using custom display
module 232 in FIG. 2. Custom page 700 displays piece of dynamic
information 406 selected from first page 402 in FIG. 4, piece of dynamic
information 504 selected from second page 500 in FIG. 5, and piece of
dynamic information 604 selected from third page 600 in FIG. 6. Further,
title 702, date 704, and time 706 are also displayed on custom page 700.

[0095] As depicted, graphical control 708, graphical control 710, and
graphical control 712 are displayed on custom page 700. An operator may
select graphical control 710 to begin recording the different values in
the different pieces of information displayed on custom page 700.

[0096] A selection of graphical control 710 causes these values to be
recorded over time until the operator selects graphical control 708. In
other words, a selection of graphical control 708 causes the recording of
the values to stop. Further, the operator may select graphical control
712 to generate a screenshot of custom page 700. This screenshot may be
stored for future use.

[0097] With reference now to FIG. 8, display maintenance page 800 is
displayed on user interface 400. In this illustrative example, display
maintenance page 800 may be used by an operator to select the information
to be displayed in user interface 400. As depicted, display maintenance
page 800 displays list of pages 802. List of pages 802 identifies
different pages on which information may be presented.

[0099] In this illustrative example, a real-time display, a manual
screenshot that was previously generated in response to user input,
and/or an automated screenshot that was previously generated in response
to a number of events without requiring user input, may be selected for
each of the pages listed in list of pages 802.

[0100] As one illustrative example, a selection of real-time display 816
associated with label 814 selects a real-time display for custom page 700
from FIG. 7. A real-time display for custom page 700 displays
substantially real-time values for the different pieces of dynamic
information displayed on custom page 700.

[0101] Further, a selection of manual screenshot 818 associated with label
814 selects a screenshot that was previously generated in response to
user input from an operator and that has been stored. For example, a
selection of manual screenshot 818 may select a screenshot previously
generated and stored in response to an operator selecting graphical
control 712 in FIG. 7. Selecting manual screenshot 818 selects the most
recent screenshot generated in response to user input from the operator.

[0102] Additionally, a selection of automated screenshot 820 associated
with label 814 selects a screenshot that was previously generated in
response to a number of events without requiring user input from the
operator. For example, the screenshot may have been generated and stored
in response to a selected phase of flight for the aircraft, a selected
reduction in velocity, and/or some other suitable type of event. Further,
this screenshot may have been generated using, for example, function
module 234 in FIG. 2. A selection of automated screenshot 820 selects the
most recent screenshot generated in response to the number of events.

[0103] When any one of the real-time displays, manual screenshots, and/or
automated screenshots are selected, a function may be performed when the
operator selects one of display button 822, print button 824, download
button 826, or erase button 828. As one illustrative example, when
real-time display 816 is selected, a selection of display button 822
causes a real-time display of custom page 700 to be displayed in user
interface 400.

[0104] As another illustrative example, when manual screenshot 818 is
selected, a selection of print button 824 causes the most recent
screenshot of custom page 700 from FIG. 7 generated in response to user
input to be printed. Further, when manual screenshot 818 is selected, a
selection of download button 826 causes the most recent screenshot of
custom page 700 from FIG. 7 generated in response to user input to be
downloaded to, for example, a ground station.

[0105] As yet another illustrative example, when automated screenshot 820
is selected, a selection of erase button 828 causes automated screenshot
820 to be removed from storage and from display maintenance page 800.
Further, in this illustrative example, a selection of erase all button
830 causes all manual screenshots and/or automated screenshots for the
pages listed in list of pages 802 to be removed from storage and from
display maintenance page 800.

[0106] With reference now to FIG. 9, an illustration of a flowchart of a
process for displaying aircraft information is depicted in accordance
with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 9 may be
implemented using information module 122 and user interface 116 in FIG.
1.

[0107] The process begins by detecting a selection of a piece of dynamic
information about an aircraft on a first display on a user interface
(operation 900). The selection may be made using, for example, number of
user input devices 118 in FIG. 1. The piece of dynamic information
includes information that is used to operate the aircraft and changes
during operation of the aircraft. In some illustrative examples, the
piece of dynamic information also may include information that does not
change during operation of the aircraft.

[0108] The process then adds the piece of dynamic information selected
from the first display to a custom display on the user interface
(operation 902). Thereafter, the process waits for user input (operation
904). The process then determines whether a selection of another piece of
dynamic information has been detected based on the user input (operation
906). If a selection of another piece of dynamic information has been
detected, the process returns to operation 902 as described above.

[0109] Otherwise, the process determines whether the user input received
indicates that the selection of pieces of dynamic information for the
custom display has been completed (operation 908). For example, the user
input may be a selection of a graphical control indicating that
modifications to the custom display have been completed.

[0110] If the user input indicates that the selection of pieces of dynamic
information for the custom display has been completed, the process
displays the custom display on the user interface on a display system for
the aircraft (operation 910), with the process terminating thereafter.
Operation 910 may be performed during operation of the aircraft.

[0111] In operation 910, if the user input does not indicate that the
selection of pieces of dynamic information for the custom display has
been completed, the process processes the user input (operation 912),
with the process then returning to operation 904 as described above.

[0112] With reference now to FIG. 10, an illustration of a flowchart of a
process for displaying aircraft information is depicted in accordance
with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 10 may
be implemented using information module 122 and user interface 116 in
FIG. 1. This process may be performed during operation of an aircraft,
such as aircraft 102 in FIG. 1.

[0113] The process begins by displaying a custom display for display on a
user interface (operation 1000). This custom display may be generated and
displayed using the process described in FIG. 9. The process monitors
events occurring during operation of the aircraft (operation 1002).

[0114] Next, the process determines whether a number of selected events
have occurred (operation 1004). The number of selected events may
include, for example, at least one of a selected speed for the aircraft,
the beginning of a selected phase of flight for the aircraft, an alert
being generated, a notification being received from a ground station,
landing gear being deployed, and other suitable types of events.

[0115] If the number of selected events has not occurred, the process
returns to operation 1002 as described above. Otherwise, the process
generates a screenshot of the custom display (operation 1006).
Thereafter, the process stores the screenshot for future use (operation
1008), with the process then returning to operation 1002 as described
above. The screenshot may be used in performing maintenance operations
for the aircraft after the flight of the aircraft, determining whether
the performance of the aircraft during the flight of the aircraft meets a
desired level of performance, and/or performing other suitable
operations.

[0116] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted
embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of
some possible implementations of apparatuses and methods in an
advantageous embodiment. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or
block diagrams may represent a module, segment, function, and/or a
portion of an operation or step. For example, one or more of the blocks
may be implemented as program code, in hardware, or a combination of the
program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardware
may, for example, take the form of integrated circuits that are
manufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in the
flowcharts or block diagrams.

[0117] In some alternative implementations of an advantageous embodiment,
the function or functions noted in the block may occur out of the order
noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in
succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition to
the illustrated blocks in a flowchart or block diagram.

[0118] Turning now to FIG. 11, an illustration of a data processing system
is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this
illustrative example, data processing system 1100 may be used to
implement one or more of number of computers 106 in FIG. 1 and/or one or
more of number of computers 206 in FIG. 2. As depicted, data processing
system 1100 includes communications framework 1102, which provides
communications between processor unit 1104, memory 1106, persistent
storage 1108, communications unit 1110, input/output (I/O) unit 1112, and
display 1114.

[0119] Processor unit 1104 serves to execute instructions for software
that may be loaded into memory 1106. Processor unit 1104 may be a number
of processors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor,
depending on the particular implementation. A number, as used herein with
reference to an item, means one or more items. Further, processor unit
1104 may be implemented using a number of heterogeneous processor systems
in which a main processor is present with secondary processors on a
single chip. As another illustrative example, processor unit 1104 may be
a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple processors of the
same type.

[0120] Memory 1106 and persistent storage 1108 are examples of storage
devices 1116. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable
of storing information, such as, for example, without limitation, data,
program code in functional form, and/or other suitable information either
on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Storage devices 1116 may
also be referred to as computer readable storage devices in these
examples. Memory 1106, in these examples, may be, for example, a random
access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage
device. Persistent storage 1108 may take various forms, depending on the
particular implementation.

[0121] For example, persistent storage 1108 may contain one or more
components or devices. For example, persistent storage 1108 may be a hard
drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic
tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent
storage 1108 also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive
may be used for persistent storage 1108.

[0122] Communications unit 1110, in these examples, provides for
communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these
examples, communications unit 1110 is a network interface card.
Communications unit 1110 may provide communications through the use of
either or both physical and wireless communications links.

[0123] Input/output unit 1112 allows for input and output of data with
other devices that may be connected to data processing system 1100. For
example, input/output unit 1112 may provide a connection for user input
through a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable input device.
Further, input/output unit 1112 may send output to a printer. Display
1114 provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

[0124] Instructions for the operating system, applications, and/or
programs may be located in storage devices 1116, which are in
communication with processor unit 1104 through communications framework
1102. In these illustrative examples, the instructions are in a
functional form on persistent storage 1108. These instructions may be
loaded into memory 1106 for execution by processor unit 1104. The
processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit
1104 using computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in a
memory, such as memory 1106.

[0125] These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usable
program code, or computer readable program code that may be read and
executed by a processor in processor unit 1104. The program code in the
different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or computer
readable storage media, such as memory 1106 or persistent storage 1108.

[0126] Program code 1118 is located in a functional form on computer
readable media 1120 that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto
or transferred to data processing system 1100 for execution by processor
unit 1104. Program code 1118 and computer readable media 1120 form
computer program product 1122 in these examples. In one example, computer
readable media 1120 may be computer readable storage media 1124 or
computer readable signal media 1126. Computer readable storage media 1124
may include, for example, an optical or magnetic disk that is inserted or
placed into a drive or other device that is part of persistent storage
1108 for transfer onto a storage device, such as a hard drive, that is
part of persistent storage 1108.

[0127] Computer readable storage media 1124 also may take the form of a
persistent storage, such as a hard drive, a thumb drive, or a flash
memory, that is connected to data processing system 1100. In some
instances, computer readable storage media 1124 may not be removable from
data processing system 1100. In these examples, computer readable storage
media 1124 is a physical or tangible storage device used to store program
code 1118 rather than a medium that propagates or transmits program code
1118. Computer readable storage media 1124 is also referred to as a
computer readable tangible storage device or a computer readable physical
storage device. In other words, computer readable storage media 1124 is a
media that can be touched by a person.

[0128] Alternatively, program code 1118 may be transferred to data
processing system 1100 using computer readable signal media 1126.
Computer readable signal media 1126 may be, for example, a propagated
data signal containing program code 1118. For example, computer readable
signal media 1126 may be an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal,
and/or any other suitable type of signal. These signals may be
transmitted over communications links, such as wireless communications
links, optical fiber cable, coaxial cable, a wire, and/or any other
suitable type of communications link. In other words, the communications
link and/or the connection may be physical or wireless in the
illustrative examples.

[0129] In some advantageous embodiments, program code 1118 may be
downloaded over a network to persistent storage 1108 from another device
or data processing system through computer readable signal media 1126 for
use within data processing system 1100. For instance, program code stored
in a computer readable storage medium in a server data processing system
may be downloaded over a network from the server to data processing
system 1100. The data processing system providing program code 1118 may
be a server computer, a client computer, or some other device capable of
storing and transmitting program code 1118.

[0130] The different components illustrated for data processing system
1100 are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in
which different embodiments may be implemented. The different
advantageous embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system
including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for
data processing system 1100. Other components shown in FIG. 11 can be
varied from the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments
may be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of running
program code. As one example, the data processing system may include
organic components integrated with inorganic components and/or may be
comprised entirely of organic components excluding a human being. For
example, a storage device may be comprised of an organic semiconductor.

[0131] In another illustrative example, processor unit 1104 may take the
form of a hardware unit that has circuits that are manufactured or
configured for a particular use. This type of hardware may perform
operations without needing program code to be loaded into a memory from a
storage device to be configured to perform the operations.

[0132] For example, when processor unit 1104 takes the form of a hardware
unit, processor unit 1104 may be a circuit system, an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or some
other suitable type of hardware configured to perform a number of
operations. With a programmable logic device, the device is configured to
perform the number of operations. The device may be reconfigured at a
later time or may be permanently configured to perform the number of
operations. Examples of programmable logic devices include, for example,
a programmable logic array, a programmable array logic, a field
programmable logic array, a field programmable gate array, and other
suitable hardware devices. With this type of implementation, program code
1118 may be omitted, because the processes for the different embodiments
are implemented in a hardware unit.

[0133] In still another illustrative example, processor unit 1104 may be
implemented using a combination of processors found in computers and
hardware units. Processor unit 1104 may have a number of hardware units
and a number of processors that are configured to run program code 1118.
With this depicted example, some of the processes may be implemented in
the number of hardware units, while other processes may be implemented in
the number of processors.

[0134] In another example, a bus system may be used to implement
communications framework 1102 and may be comprised of one or more buses,
such as a system bus or an input/output bus. Of course, the bus system
may be implemented using any suitable type of architecture that provides
for a transfer of data between different components or devices attached
to the bus system.

[0135] Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method and
apparatus for displaying aircraft information. In one advantageous
embodiment, a selection of a piece of dynamic information about an
aircraft on a first display in a user interface is detected. The piece of
dynamic information is used to operate the aircraft and changes during
the operation of the aircraft. The piece of dynamic information selected
from the first display is added to a custom display in the user
interface. The custom display is displayed in the user interface on a
display system for the aircraft.

[0136] In this manner, the different advantageous embodiments provide a
system for viewing desired aircraft information more efficiently and more
quickly as compared to currently-available systems. Further, the
different advantageous embodiments provide a system that allows desired
aircraft information to be viewed in a single display device without
reducing the readability of the desired aircraft information.

[0137] The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not
intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form
disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments
may provide different advantages as compared to other advantageous
embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the
practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art
to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.